On Saturday night, Neyland Stadium erupted in joy after the Tennessee Volunteers beat their bitter rival Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA Southeastern Conference. Notably, this was their first victory since 2006, over their arch-rivals. The Vols’ quarterback, Hendon Hooker, had the game of his life, as he helped his team massively to get the win.
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Notably, in that game, Hooker threw 5 touchdown passes for 385 passing yards, which got the Vols over the line. In the end, Chase McGrath’s 40-yard field goal gave them the winning moment. After the game, social media was full of praise for the Vols’ 24-year-old quarterback, Hooker, and many felt the quarterback is now the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
NFL world in awe after Hendon Hooker helped the Vols beat the Crimson Tide
At the beginning of the game, the Vols completely dominated the Alabama team; however, the Crimson Tide made a spectacular comeback and almost gave the home team another heartbreaking loss. In this game, Hooker completed 21 of 30 passes with 385 passing yards with one interception; along with 5 touchdowns, he also had 56 rushing yards.
After seeing his performance, one person said, “Hendon. Hooker. The nation better be putting respect on his name from now on. Heisman front runner.“
Hendon. Hooker. The nation better be putting respect on his name from now on. Heisman front runner.
— Seth Stokes (@SethStokesWORD) October 16, 2022
Another fan praised Hooker, as well as the wide receiver for the Vols, Jalin Hyatt, who equally had an impressive game.
Obviously Hendon Hooker is the Heisman winner and best player in the country but I will personally help build Jalin Hyatt’s statue as well.
That was a performance that will be talked about generations from now.
— Vol Herald (@VolHerald) October 16, 2022
In the game, the connection between Hyatt and Hooker was a treat to watch for many fans.
The Hendon Hooker ➡️ Jalin Hyatt connection was simply unstoppable for @Vol_Football against Alabama. pic.twitter.com/ySuNIZARHs
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 16, 2022
Another fan compared Hyatt with a young Tyreek Hill, and picked Hooker as the Heisman Trophy winner.
Jalin Hyatt is a college version Tyreek Hill LMAO. I have never seen such a performance.
And Hendon Hooker is the best player in the country. Heisman by a country mile.
— Vol Herald (@VolHerald) October 16, 2022
Peter Burns from ESPN, made a hilarious joke about Tennessee spending more money to keep Hooker on the team in the future.
I still believe that Tennessee should spend at least $30 Million in lawyers fees to try to fight the NCAA for more years of eligibility for Hendon Hooker
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) October 15, 2022
One particular fan predicted a 3rd round pick for Hooker in the NFL draft.
My dude went from football over after college to at least a 3rd round pick this season
— Randy (@RandyHill1108) October 16, 2022
Another praised Hooker’s amazing performance under immense pressure.
@henhook2 for @HeismanTrophy! Amazing performance under immense pressure to win this game!
— Todd Reeves (@ToddReeves828) October 16, 2022
On the other, Hooker made an intelligent play in the final minutes to get the Vols into field goal range, which was the final play of the game and Tennessee won.
Hendon Hooker took the ball at Tennessee's 32-yard line with just :15 left to get the Vols into field goal range.
He had two plays. He got the job done. pic.twitter.com/6MM1KiOjFm
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022
Meanwhile, one lifelong Alabama fan praised his opposition team’s quarterback and was begging the Raiders to pick Hooker, in the draft.
Dear Raiders – draft Hendon Hooker.
Sincerely,
A lifelong Alabama fan who hasn’t seen a better performance by any other opposing QB against Bama in his lifetime.
— ✍🏿CJ (@CJE_NFL) October 16, 2022
Another fan praised Hyatt and Hooker by using a funny meme.
BREAKING: Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt just got X-rays after the game, and we have the results to present to you: pic.twitter.com/INcprWM0sC
— Nathanael Rutherford (@Mr_Rutherford) October 16, 2022
One Twitter user congratulated Hooker for enjoying time with the Vols.
Congrats to Hendon Hooker! Happy to see him living his best life with the Vols
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) October 15, 2022
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Meanwhile, a heartwarming video emerged after the game as Hooker had an emotional moment with his mom.
Hendon Hooker w his mom after tonight’s win. What it’s all about.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) October 16, 2022
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On the other hand, Alabama’s quarterback Bryce Young also had a great performance, and many praised the young QB. Young completed 35 of 52 passes with 455 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, the crowd went absolutely crazy, as they uprooted the goalpost and carried it out of the stadium; safe to say, the crowd was pretty happy with the win.
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